Saul Alvarez, Reynoso Discuss Their Training Techniques

By Luis Sandoval

Tucked away in the small streets of Santa Monica, CA, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez trains for his upcoming fight with Josesito Lopez in a very private setting. Much like other big name fighters, finding a private location is important as it minimizes distractions and interference from the public.

BoxingScene was given exclusive access to Alvarez’s training camp as the 23 year old WBC Light Middleweight champion put in a full workout. Trainers Jose “Chepo” and Eddie Reynoso both took turns working with their prized pupil. Much like in his fights, Canelo is very precise in his training and while he doesn’t train at a feverish pace, he can definitely turn it on at the drop of a dime.

After filming the first half of his training, the cameras were asked to be turned off and Alvarez really went to work. You forget how much speed and power the young fighter truly packs as he hits the mitts and body suit. A digging left hook to the body, a classic Mexican signature punch, lands with precise accuracy as you can hear the impact echo through the gym. It’s that same focus and intensity Alvarez’s uses in his sparring sessions as well.

“When I do sparring I like for them to throw at me. To throw and hit me hard. I like to learn, I like to move. And if they hit me with a good shot, I see why they were able to land it. I like to learn and improve in a lot things” Alvarez would tell BoxingScene.

“It’s not about trying to beat someone up or trying to knock somebody out here in our training camp. But I like for them to throw at me. To throw at me hard and to keep throwing at me to force me and to learn”.

According to trainer Eddie Reynoso, a lot of the emphasis has been on strength and conditioning the last few weeks but as they wind down, working on speed will take precedence. The fight is almost 2 weeks away and Alvarez is already in tremendous shape. Alvarez was asked how comfortable he feels making the 154 pound weight limit. He’s not a tall fighter but he has a very stocky build and is very strong which is one his biggest advantages.

“I feel very good. I think will remain here for a very long time at this weight. Maybe in the future I might move up but I feel I will last a very long time at this weight. I feel very comfortable and I feel very strong” said the current WBC Light Middleweight champion. Alvarez and his team will head out to Las Vegas for the last leg of training next week and remain there until the fight.

Upcoming young prospects Oscar Nunez and Andres Gutierrez who are part of Canelo Promotions are also working in the gym as they prepare to their upcoming fights on the undercard of September 8th and 15th respectively.

You can watch Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in training by watching his video in BoxingScene’s video section and listen to his one on one interview in its entirety.

You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter @Truewest007. You can also tune in to The Boxing Lab, Boxingscene’s official audio show every Tuesday from 6-8PM PST with hosts Ernest Gabion, Luis Sandoval, and Ryan Burton.